Hospitals Restrict Visitors to Combat Surge in Illnesses

INDIANAPOLIS — In response to increased activity of respiratory viruses such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV, hospitals in Marion County have begun implementing temporary restrictions for visitors.
Temporary visitor restrictions include:
• No visitors with symptoms of illness such as sudden onset of fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, and runny nose.
• No visitors under the age of 18.
As with any time of the year, a visitor who is not feeling well should stay home. Visitors should observe the standard practices of washing hands and covering coughs and sneezes when around others. Masks will be provided for guests by the facility.
Visitors should check with a hospital’s Web site or call the facility in advance to learn more about its specific restrictions, any exceptions, and when visitor restrictions will begin at that hospital. Special arrangements can be made with each facility to allow additional visitors or younger visitors based on circumstances, such as end of life.
Marion County hospitals participating in the temporary visitor restrictions include those within Community Health Network, Franciscan Health Indianapolis, Ascension St. Vincent, Indiana University Health, and Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital.